Friday, December 12, 2008

But just lately ,I've manifested some very strange phobias and done some very odd things.

My friends tell me I've always been odd, only now I'm noticing it, so it must be bad.

Last night I needed to turn the water temperature up on the boiler. It took me about an hour to go near it and then I couldn't remember which position it had been, to know which way it needed to be turned.

I don't change light bulbs until we virtually can't recognise each other when we're actually sat together. All because I hate heights, yet I would go up in a hot air balloon with any loony.

I've never worked out how to remove my petrol cap, without almost breaking the key off at the same time.I feel stressed every time I buy petrol.

I have no idea how to check the water and oil in my car and consequently have had some interesting experiences with roadside rescue. The most memorable being,.when I ran over the mechanics foot.

I find it impossible to set a digital clock. I don't trust them. Bring back the good old fashioned wind up.

Last month I threw the tumble dryer out of the laundry room window, trying to lift it onto the washing machine. Don't ask.

But my greatest faux pas has to be taking my girls camping, with a tent I didn't know how to erect and no wet weather gear what so ever. Yes you got it, it rained and blew a gale constantly.We had the time of our lives.

'Mum, can I wear eyeshadow to school?'My twelve year old daughter was growing up too fast.'I don't think so darling.''It's only a white sparkely (no such word, but I love it) one, it won't even show.''There's no point in wearing it then, is there?' I said, hoping she would forget all about it.'But Mum, you don't understand, everybody wears it.''That doesn't mean you have to,' I said, 'you wear it at weekends and in the holidays, but school is a no no, it's not a fashion show.'She went off in a sulk and I started to feel really guilty. But then it occurred to me, what I had done, when my Mother wouldn't let me wear platform shoes to school.I borrowed a pair off a friend. We kept them in our lockers. I'd put them on as soon as I got to school, and leave the safe at home time.The experience was delicious. Maybe it was better because I was doing it behind my parents back.Had they allowed me to wear them, I would never have appreciated those moments in those shoes, as much as I did.I probably wouldn't have the penchant I have now, for ridiculous, gorgeous, unwearable shoes.That, quite honestly, would be awful. I love them, I surround myself with them; like works of art left all over the house.I've decided to say 'no' to the eyeshadow.The thrill she'll get, putting it on as she travels on the bus to school and removing it on the way back home, will be unforgettable.I want her to have those little secrets.She's such a good girl at school and at home. She deserves those exciting moments of rebellion, when you think that your Mum would go mad, if she knew.When she's a grown woman, I know she will enjoy putting on her make-up. She will probably have drawers full of ridiculous coloured eyeshadow, that she'll never wear.But, most of all, I hope she smiles to herself every time she picks one up, because it reminds her of a happy childhood.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

“Can I make garlic mushrooms for breakfast mummy?”It was 7.30am on a Sunday and Freya as usual was very specific about what she wanted to eat.“Yes,” I said, “but I don’t have any mushrooms; we will have to wait until the shops open.”“I’ll have pancakes now and mushrooms for bunch then.”I said, “It’s brunch, darling.”“OK, I’ll have them for that then.”The girls love making pancakes and constantly argue over whose turn it is to beat the batter.I decided to put ‘Give it to me’ by Madonna on the stereo. The joke was lost on them but at least they started to dance instead of fight.“What’s the difference between plain and self raising flour mum?” asked Sorcha. Before I could open my mouth Willow was answering her.Willow is my eldest daughter and as such feels she is the second mother. This can cause confusion for all of us.She has an insatiable appetite for information. When she was little, this was fine as I could answer all her questions. But now even a trip to the beach can end up with a list of books we need to get from the library.“Why does the tide go in and out? How does the moon affect this? What do you think those ships are carrying? How do they float? Do you know mum, if you put sand in a jar of water and leave it for a million years, the sand will disappear?”“That’s a waste of time then!” I say“You’re weird mum,” she replies, then continues with a new line of questioning.“Do you think those people are on holiday? Do you think that girl is the same age as me?”“Willow,” I stop her in mid flow, “Why don’t you go over, make friends and find out.”10am Sunday morning, we were in the supermarket as soon as it opened, in search of mushrooms. We were dancing round the aisles singing, “I’ve got cup cakes on a cloudy day,” when I almost landed on top of a man. To make matters even worse, when I looked up, I realised that, many years ago I had actually been on a few dates with him.“Hello!” he said, “how are you? I haven’t seen you for ages.”I suddenly turned into a sixteen year old; unable to look at him or think of anything remotely interesting to say. I realized he was holding onto a pushchair and now focused all my attention on the small child sat within it.“Hi,” I said, as casually as possible, “your little boy is beautiful, how old is he?”I still don’t know his child’s age; all I do know is that he said, “You look really good!” At which point I babbled something, gathered my girls and shot round the corner of the toiletry aisle.“Mum, do you need any of those things you stick up your bum?” Freya has the loudest voice and I was very aware we were within earshot of the ‘ex date.’“No silly,” said Willow, “they’re not environmentally friendly, she uses a Mooncup!” They started to argue about what type of sanitary protection I use. Considering that I had never been intimate with the ‘ex date’ I would have liked to maintain an air of mystery.I said, “Can we stop it now please and talk about something else.”“Yes,” said Freya, “can I ask, is that a hippie on that woman’s neck?”“No, you silly sausage roll,” answered Willow, “a hippy is someone who lives an alternative lifestyle.”“Oh, like mum then,” said Sorcha.“Not really,” said Willow, “she’s just non-conformist.”“Mum’s a communist?” said Freya.“Right, that’s it, stop! Let’s find the mushrooms and go home.”After numerous arguments about whose turn it was to pull Ermintrude, our shopping trolley home. We were in the kitchen making the garlic mushrooms. I had put some beetroot in the oven to cook, ready to make a cake.“Beetroot makes my wee pink!” said Willow, “but do you know mum, it doesn’t happen to everyone, it depends on the alkalinity or acidity of your stomach.”“I’m not eating garlic mushrooms if they’re going to make my wee pink,” said Sorcha, walking into the kitchen.“For goodness sake, what’s wrong with you today? I’m going to send you all to China so I can get some peace!” I said, trying to serve up their lunch.“Cool, I can have lots of Sushi there!” said Freya.“No, you’re thinking of Japan,” said Sorcha, “China’s communist.”“Great,” said Freya, “I can live that alternative lifestyle there then, can’t I?”

Monday, May 26, 2008

My ex- husband rang me at 6.30 this morning to tell me, he had the new ‘Ting Tings’ CD. It was playing top blast as I picked up the telephone.“Are you awake?” he asked.“I am now,” I answered.“I’ve got that music you were on about, it’s great!”I can’t remember the last time I’d heard him so excited; well I can but I won’t go into that!“Did you listen to the football last night?”“No,” I said, “Why would I?”He, (my ex) listens to the radio all night long, while he drives a truck. The solitude of his cab and the lack of human contact suit his nature. He doesn’t like people very much.“Well, Chelsea lost, so they were interviewing their supporters and I just knew they were going to use that word.”“What word?” I said, trying to sound interested.“Gutted!” he spat the word down the phone.“I bloody hate that word. Can’t they think of anything better to say, like devastated, upset, or heartbroken?”“Good morning to you too!” I said, “Don’t take it so seriously, I think you’re suffering with ‘Cabin Fever’ go for a walk.”“Ok, are the girls alright, did they enjoy the camping trip?”“They had a great time, they did kayaking, archery, and loads of other things. You should have seen them though; they looked like they’d been travelling round India for six months not in St Austell for three days!”“What did Freya do when she saw them?”“Cuddled them and told them she’d missed them. But I hadn’t even put their bags in the boot of the car before they were arguing about who could sit where.”“So things are back to normal then?”“It certainly got back to normal later,” I replied, “I took them round to Sandra for tea, so the girls could play with Martha, Alfie and Eltica, but we had to leave after an hour because they were so stroppy.”He, (the ex) was laughing.“It’s not funny,” I said, “I was really looking forward to them coming home and chatting with them. As it was, I had to put them all in a hot bath with a cup of chamomile tea and a few drops of Rescue Remedy. They were in bed and asleep by 7.30pm.”“Quiet night then?” he said stifling his amusement.“Once I’d had a cup of coffee and a Fairy cake with gin icing, it was great!”“Make me some for when I come down on Saturday, they sound great.”“Ok, see you then, have a good sleep.”“Yes, have a good day, bye.”As I put the phone down, Sorcha walked in.“Mummy, can I wear tights with my school dress?”“Good morning darling,” I replied.“I like you mum, you’re funny.”“Yes, you can wear them.”“Cool! I’d have been gutted if you’d said no.”

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Went to the beach with Freya, my youngest daughter, after school. It was very gusty and the waves were huge and pale turquoise. I love the beach when it's deserted, bar a few 'surfer dudes,' who I hasten to add, were the only things that really interested Freya. "Why do they keep falling off their boards?" she asked, giggling. I've always wondered why they keep getting back on!In between, trying to push each other into the sea, we managed to collect some beautiful green glass and pearly shells, oh, and made the customary visit to the vile public toilets. Freya loves toilets. when I take the girls to the cinema, she insists on going to the loo at least six times! It's no wonder that I'm never sure whether I've seen a film before.When we got home, Freya ran a bath and threw herself and her bucket, full of beach into it. I made roasted red pepper and humus sandwiches,(I never use the green ones, don't like their flavour)to keep our strength up during our next task: Freya wanted to make 'welcome home' cards for her sisters, who had been away on a camping trip.Freya, the bucket of beach, a piece of lilac card and a pot of glue went into the next room. I followed with the sandwiches and two cups of tea."Mummy, I really miss my sisters, I miss fighting with them.""They'll be back tomorrow, just busting for a row," I replied.Tomorrow ,I will have them all back together and I can't wait.